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 Acts 19:1-12


Books on Abe Lincoln - Washington, DC


As soon as Paul got to Ephesus, he found believers. We, too, should seek out disciples - believers in Jesus Christ. Maybe they only have a mustard seed of faith - that’s perfect. We see in this passage that people need to learn - they need to be taught to repent of their sins and turn to God. But they also have to be taught that Jesus died for their sins and that if they believe in Jesus as Messiah, they will receive the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s question to the 12 Ephesian men is excellent; why don’t we ask it more:  “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  We have to believe in the One who came after John the Baptist. When we trust in Jesus for our salvation - not in our works - the Holy Spirit will come upon us.

Holy Spirit, please come upon your people today, those who believe in you.

Help us to ask the right questions and help us to disciple others today!

God did a mighty work in Corinth. And here we see God had already prepared the fertile ground in Ephesus. He’s done the same in our communities today. If we have the eyes to see it and the courage, like Paul, to boldly preach the Word of God.

John the Baptist’s call for repentance from sin had a lasting impact. It still reverberates today. Other than Jesus, he may be the most significant human who ever lived. John knew God, and he faithfully preached his God-ordained life message. These twelve men in Ephesus had been baptized by John. The Bible tells us they were believers. John had prepared them for the Way of the Lord. And Paul, picking up right where he should, and right where we must, showed them the Way of Jesus.

You don’t know the impact your work and service to God will have. There is often a delayed release of the explosive power of God’s Word. And other times, the response is immediate - with the Holy Spirit transforming people simultaneously as they first hear the Word.

I need to do my role - and leave the timing and impact to God.

What will it take in our day - the day of electronic media and ubiquitous sin - to have a solemn fear of God descend on the city and the name of the Lord Jesus greatly honored (v. 17)?

Let us confess our sinful practices and eliminate all the filth and evil in our lives.

What will God do today? Pray for valuable gifts and abilities. And use them for God.

Lord Jesus, please lead me today to be bold for you. Thank you, Lord. Amen.




Bowling with my friend Stephen - Lynchburg, VA

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